Trump says he would be 'allowed' to pardon thousands of administration staffers ahead of feared Democrat investigations after midterms

White House lawyers are reportedly studying preemptive pardons for junior officials who carried out Donald Trump's agenda on immigration, trade and military operations. A blanket pardon for every staffer is seen as unlikely, but protections covering whole policy areas are on the table. The Heritage Foundation and American Moment are pressing for cover or legal-defence funding. Trump said he does not want 'innocent people' to 'lose all their money'.

Trump pointed to Joe Biden's pardons, saying 'Biden shielded many people'.

Legal experts warn the move could put the executive branch beyond federal criminal accountability.

Back in April, Karoline Leavitt told critics to 'learn to take a joke'.